Report: Government Gridlock is Going to 'Persist for a Long Time'

No breakthrough has been reported to ease the gridlock delaying the formation of Lebanon’s government, amid reports it is going to “persist” even longer, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Saturday.

Unnamed sources told the daily it has become even more difficult now to resolve the obstacles since each political party adamantly adheres to its positions. Absence of mediators to help ease the problem also adds to the difficulty, they said.

The new obstacle related to the representation of March 8 Sunni MPs emerged early this week when the government was on the verge of formation.

The so-called independent Sunni MPs, comprised of six lawmakers, demand representation in the new government enjoying the support of Hizbullah and AMAL Movement chief Speaker Nabih Berri.

On the other hand, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri refuses to allocate a ministerial portfolio for said MPs from his own share. He says those supporting their demands should themselves give up part of their share for said deputies.